Pele calls on Brazil to exorcise demons of 1950 with World Cup win

Brazil legend and global superstar Pele has called on his country's Class of 2014 to make up for 64 years of agony this summer by lifting the World Cup in their own backyard, something they failed to do back in a 1950 final loss to Uruguay.

Despite ranking as the most successful national side in the sport's history, with five World Cup triumphs, the mood in Brazil is still darkened by losing that home final and Pele told Telefoot:"There is no doubt that Brazil can avenge the 1950 World Cup with a win at home."

A relatively tough draw for the hosts sees them compete in Group A with Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon and, if the initial matches go to something like plan, the hosts' route to the final on July 13 would include matches against Netherlands, Colombia, Germany and finally Spain.